This 3 day Paddle Canada certification course takes you through the kayaking skills you will need to teach the Paddle Canada Introduction to Kayaking certification course. You will get to review skills and learn how to present practical skills in a clear and concise way. This course is pedagogically oriented and requires a good set of basic kayaking skills.

This is one possible course itinerary. (Because we are travelling in a natural environment, itineraries can change. There are many factors that can affect how a course actually runs.)

This course usually begins in Cowichan Bay, meeting at the Coastal Bliss offices.

The itinerary for this course is very fliexible and adapts to weather conditions as well as participant skill levels. There will be both theory and practical components on most days, and participants will be required to demonstrate skills and prepare and present lessons, both on land and on the water.

It is very important for you and for the rest of your course group that you are fit enough to handle the level of difficulty and demand with no problems. Our instructors know how to minimize the impact of these demands as much as possible, but they cannot remove them. The depth of your experience can only increase if you have made sure that you have prepared well.

Our Level 2 Skills courses require good fitness, and stamina. We are paddling in real conditions for four days. You should be physically able. We will be lifting and carrying kayaks and gear.

Part of the preparation is to have the right clothing. We will be getting wet as part of the instruction, so you will need an extra set of dry clothes. Quick-drying, insulating, synthetic clothing is best. A wetsuit or drysuit will be invaluable, particularly in BC waters. If you need a wetsuit, we can provide one as a rental option.

Your preparation will be different for different activities. You will be given instructions for how to prepare for any course you sign up for. These are usually in pdf format. If you do not have the Adobe Reader, you can download it from the Adobe site by clicking here.

“If you do follow your bliss you put yourself on a kind of track that has been there all the while, waiting for you, and the life that you ought to be living is the one you are living. Follow your bliss and don't be afraid, and doors will open where you didn't know they were going to be.”
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